Palestinians Concerned About Relations with Lebanese Parties

Palestinian leaders are concerned that the newly vocal demands for civil rights by Palestinians living in Lebanon could backfire and turn the Palestinian expatriate community into a political football. A major Beirut demonstration by Palestinians from 12 refugee camps in Lebanon was followed by a statement by the Palestinian ambassador to Lebanon explaining that while the Palestinians are seeking civil rights, it must be the result of a consensus among the parties comprising the Lebanese government and not as a project of one party or bloc. Palestinians living in Lebanon are not allowed to own property and are restricted to low-level jobs. Estimates of the number of Palestinians living in Lebanon range from 250,000 to 400,000.